December 17, 2017 "GARLANDS FOR GLADNESS AND LIGHT"

AN ADVENT AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe God created, the heavens, the earth, and all the creatures that dwell upon it.
We believe God creates new beginnings.
We believe that God is never far away. God is ever-present, ever-vigilant and has been active in our lives throughout history.
We believe God is merciful and forgiving. God came to us in the person of Jesus to be a light for those trapped in darkness, and to preach Good News to those longing for
understanding and relief.
We believe God promises good. God promised us a savior, Jesus the Christ. And when his saving act was to die for our sakes, God raised him from the dead.
We believe God’s pursuit of the human heart and soul is persistent, for the Holy Spirit seeks us out to embrace us with the message of forgiveness, hope, peace, joy, and love.
We believe that as the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to wear and carry the Spirit’s message out into the world.
A new beginning is today. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, Most faithful and loving God, we are grateful for the laughter and joy that rings through the yuletide season. Perhaps it is the anticipation of being with loved ones and family members that fills us with joy. Or, it just might be our delight in wearing jingley-sparkly garments as if we were the heralds of all good things to come. December arrives and we can’t wait one minute longer to sing our favorite Christmas carols knowing that the time allotted to sing them seems to wane ever so quickly. It is easy to become overwhelmed when we get caught up in all of the falderal, along with the expectations we place upon ourselves. Remind us, O LORD, to take a moment to escape the busyness, to ponder your goodwill and embrace your promise of peace. All this we pray in the name of the Christ child, Jesus, who crowns the season. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The Psalmist writes about the Israelites in exile sowing seeds for the harvest through their tears and sadness. For there to be a yield, seeds must be sown. The sowers must remain faithful to the process of preparation, sowing, watching and caring for the seedlings, finally reaping the harvest in season. We have learned from scripture that the human heart is like the soil into which seeds of justice, righteousness, kindness, love and mercy are sown. In the fullness of time the human heart will produce it’s crop in abundance and God will rejoice. Until that time, the church must be at work preparing the soil and sowing the seeds of justice, righteousness, kindness, love and mercy. Without your support the process could founder.

December 10, 2017 "LIVING IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE"

AN ADVENT AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe God created, the heavens, the earth, and all the creatures that dwell upon it.
God creates new beginnings.
We believe that God is never far away. God is ever-present, ever-vigilant and has been active in our lives throughout history.
We believe God is merciful and forgiving. God came to us in the person of Jesus to be a light for those trapped in darkness, and to preach Good News to those longing for
understanding and relief.
We believe God promises good. God promised us a savior, and when his saving act was to die for our sakes, having promised that we would never be alone, God raised Jesus up from death.
We believe God’s pursuit of the human heart and soul is persistent, for the Holy Spirit seeks us out to embrace us with the message of forgiveness, hope, peace, joy, and love.
We believe that as the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to wear and carry the Spirit’s message out into the world.
A new beginning is today. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Loving God, we sing your praises today and give you thanks, because it is the right and good thing for us to do. We must confess our distress over the great loss of land, life and property occurring all around us, during the past months and weeks; whether by hurricane winds, overwhelming floods, raging fires or human folly. Like the Israelites in the time of the exile, your people are in need of your comfort, and assurance of relief and recovery. We pray that you will bring peace to the “elements in commotion,” for the sake of your creation and your people. Could it be your will that we should be holding our breath in anticipation and preparation of the next trial? Our heads are spinning from the overwhelming need of our fellows. Give us direction we ask you, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
At the workshop I attended in Arizona last week, we clergy were asked to decide which stage in the congregational life cycle described our current setting— in other words what is going on by choosing: Vision, Relationships, Program, or Management as the focus of the congregation. Vision is the focus at the congregation’s birth (Vrpm). Vision and Relationships (VRpm) are the focus in the congregation’s infancy. Vision and Program in it’s childhood; Vision, Relationships, and Program (VRPm) in its adolescence, and all 4 (VRPM) when the congregation arrives at adulthood. As a congregation ages and declines, vision, relationship and program drop off until management predominates —vrpM. I will confess I was drawn to join the relationships group, but then thought of the programs we have added in the past 5 years, realizing that the ministries and programs we have undertaken have strengthened our relationships and in turn this community of the faithful.. As we seek to balance the budget money to support these programs has been reduced, but we would do ourselves growth-harm if we do not find a way to support them and shore them up once again. I have some ideas, how about you?

December 3, 2017 "POTTER AND CLAY"

N ADVENT AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe God created, the heavens, the earth, and all the creatures that dwell upon it.
God creates new beginnings.
We believe that God is never far away. God is ever-present, ever-vigilant and has been active in our lives throughout history.
We believe God is merciful and forgiving. God came to us in the person of Jesus to be a light for those trapped in darkness, and to preach Good News to those longing for
understanding and relief.
We believe God promises good. God promised us a savior, and when his saving act was to die for our sakes, having promised that we would never be alone, God raised Jesus up from death.
We believe God’s pursuit of the human heart and soul is persistent, for the Holy Spirit seeks us out to embrace us with the message of forgiveness, hope, peace, joy, and love.
We believe that as the church, Christ’s body in the world, we are called to wear and carry the Spirit’s message out into the world.
A new beginning is today. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, as we enter the season of Advent, which marks the new year of the church, guide us through each new beginning, both as individuals and as members of this community of faith. For those joining the body today, this may be a new beginning. Nevertheless, let us learn from their experience. Fill each one of us with Advent Hope, remembering that you are the God of promises fulfilled. Let us not be nervous-nellies thinking about the future. Let us be bold in our confidence, and unwavering in our trust, believing that you have already provided for our needs. We are your people looking forward to continued growth, in our leadership skills, our outreach ministries and our personal spirituality. We shall live in Hope daily offering our prayers of thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The origin of the word Hope is unclear. The Etymology dictionary even suggests that hope might be born of hop. The Old English hopian means to have the theological virtue of Hope; to have trust and confidence that something is or will be so. The difference between hope and hop in Old English is a single letter. The word hoppian means to spring to leap, to dance. I don’t think it too farfetched for Christians to spring, leap or dance into hopefulness. In this Advent season, cultivate the theological virtue of hope. Make that proverbial leap of faith, and put your whole trust and confidence in God, who makes all things new.

November 26, 2017 "A MATTER OF DIVINE SELECTION"

TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our ever-present advocate
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, today we remember and give thanks for your sovereignty over the universe. On this, Christ The King Sunday, we envision our risen Lord enthroned at your right hand, crowned with light, empowered to judge the nations. We confess our distress when nations rage against one-another, when the principalities and powers wrestle back and forth, trying to get a bigger piece of the proverbial pie. Let us not be dismayed, but keep us mindful of your watchful presence. May all our strivings help to bring your kingdom to fruition upon the earth. Make us aware of the ways we allow greed and political bullying to perpetuate crimes against humanity. Remind us now, and always that you are the Lord of Life, the Sovereign of Hope, the Prince of Peace, The Wonderful Counselor and Spirit of Truth. We are waiting for your kingdom to come upon the earth, not one of human design. Empower your servants to do justice, perpetuate kindness, and walk humbly before you. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
My dog Sonny gobbles up dog-biscuits whenever we visit the vet. He just loves them. At home, whenever I am about to leave the house, no matter what time of day it is, for Chiquita it’s always dog-biscuit time. The two dogs meet me in the kitchen to await their treat. Usually Sonny is at my right hand and Chiquita is at my left. Chiquita is, for all intents and purposes blind, but for dog biscuits she has x-ray vision. What astounds me every time, is Sonny’s refusal to take his biscuit until Chiquita has hers. In a world where the strong trample or shove aside the weak, where the big dogs muscle the little dogs away from their dishes, and the fatter sheep take the best pasture for themselves, it is my dog who reminds me everyday that, in God’s kingdom, the last shall be first.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

November 19, 2017 "READING YOUR SPIRIT BAROMETER"

TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our ever-present advocate
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving Creator, we are humbled in your presence, and are bold to ask your blessing upon us gathered here to worship. On this Thanksgiving Sunday many of us are thinking about travel plans, anticipating passing pleasant hours with the friends and family we plan to visit during the coming week. Our excitement over the approaching holiday is tempered with the sadness and incomprehension brought to the fore by the shooting rampages being perpetrated by broken souls. We adjure you, O God, help our society discover how to allay the pain and outrage that suddenly takes control of those who inflict inexplicable harm upon loved ones as well as total strangers. As the occasions of destruction multiply, we are asking for your miraculous intervention. Ignite within us the love for you and humankind that burned in the heart and soul of your Christ. Help us to be healers in the world while time allows. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
What are you grateful for? Wait, before you start making a list in your head, I am not talking about the blessings of family and friends, although they are important. Neither am I am talking about the roof over your head, or anything outside yourself for that matter. What elements of the you that is you are you grateful for? In the call to worship we proclaimed: “It is God who has made us, and not we ourselves.” And in the 1990’s we were proclaiming: “God don’t make no junk.” So here is what I am getting at: What gift — what ability did God give you, that when you work it, when you employ it, it makes you feel good about yourself from the inside out? By the way I don’t think there is a “use by” date on any gift that God has implanted in our genes. Many a saint discovered their gifts late in life and cultivated them. It’s not too late to dig it up and invest it where it will do some good.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

November 12, 2017 "THE DAY OF THE LORD"

TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe, that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ, ascended into heaven, and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is our ever-present advocate,
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Most, Loving and Eternal God how wonderful to worship you in this beautiful garden. We ask your blessing upon this garden of memorable gifts, the labyrinth built for us by Peter Bahnson, the water fountain placed in honor of Bishop Swenson, the memory bricks honoring loved ones and friends, along with the donated benches and flowering plants. We pray that this garden will live as a sacred place where searching souls can find a moment of respite from the demands of the day. The world expects much from each of us, and we confess trying meet those expectations can be exhausting. But our spirits are renewed, when we gather in your name to worship, to sing, to pray and meditate on your word. Give us strength to do your work and will, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
One of the challenges the church faces everyday is being relevant in a world that upgrades and changes its technologies faster than we can pronounce the word. Every minute of our everyday is fillable with obligations, or adventures. At times I think we have an aversion to stopping, to just standing still for a moment, because we are afraid we will get tossed off the wild ride. God never meant for the human spirit to be in endless turmoil, rather spiritual peace is God’s hope for all. God has known from the beginning that the human spirit needs, and deserves a sacred space in which to spend sacred time. It is for this reason as servants of God we work diligently and give generously to preserve the places of sanctuary for the wandering souls in search of sacred space and time.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

November 5, 2018 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY "PRODUCING SAINTS"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news.
As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving God, Creator of life and keeper of promises, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for your abundant blessings. Thank you for the righteous faithful who have touched our lives sharing their spiritual gifts and time. We have been blessed to know them, to love them, and be loved by them. They were part of this body, an extended family of devoted disciples seeking to follow the way of Jesus. Though they are now absent from the body, present with you, their memorable faithfulness lingers, ever a part of who we are. We are grateful they chose to spend their days among us. May we do justice to their memory, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Today we remember loved ones who have finished this earthly race and crossed the finish line, at last to be received into God’s waiting embrace. Let us remember, too, those saints whose faith in God shown like beacon of light, serving as an invitation for each of us to let that same light shine within us. Let us give thanks for their example. As you place your gifts in the offering plate this morning, speak the name of your faith-mentor, that special saint whose, light, love, and guidance brought you into the embrace of Christ and his church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.